Parent company DRB-HICOM Berhad has suspended controversial Lotus CEO Dany Bahar due to undisclosed "conduct" following an operational review of the British sportscar maker.

"As a result of a number of media inquiries, Group Lotus plc ("Lotus") can today confirm that, following an operational review, chief executive Dany Bahar has been temporarily suspended from his role to facilitate an investigation into a complaint about his conduct made by Lotus' penultimate parent company, DRB-HICOM Berhad," reads the official statement.

"The penultimate holding company would like to stress it is business as usual at Lotus," the statement continues. "We fully support the company and will continue to support Lotus in its business endeavours and development."

Four representatives of DRB-HICOM Berhad will run the company in Bahar's absence.

Bahar, who's management of Lotus has been much maligned by enthusiasts and industry watchers, including us, joined the company in 2009, leading it to its polarizing five-fat-model expansion plan and more PR gaffs than you can shake a briefcase full of cocaine at.